Wednesday, November 4, 2015

Writing: Distractions During Writing - Part 1: The Internet

When thinking about what could possibly be a distraction when writing, many things came to mind. So much so that trying to fit them all into one blog post would have been a nightmare. Therefore, this will be a multi-part series focusing on distractions. Who knows how long it will actually go for? As long as there are distractions, I will keep posting them.

That said; let us get into the first distraction that can halt the writing process.

The Internet.

No Internet
"No Internet" by Marcelo Graciolli is licensed under CC BY 2.0

I think we all have done it from time to time. You sit down at your computer, trying to get yourself into gear to write. You open up your word processor of choice, but then open up your internet browser and start going to your favorite websites. Before you know it an hour has passed, and you still have not started your writing.

Maybe you have started your writing, but jumped online "real quick" to check something out. Then got side tracked, and never really got back to your writing. Either way, the internet can wait. It will still be there when you are finished.

Here are three ways to distance yourself from the internet in order to focus on your writing.

1. If possible, dedicate a computer or laptop to your writing, one that does not have any internet access whatsoever. That way even if you are tempted to hop on the internet, you will not be able to.

2. Write by hand in a notebook or on a legal note pad, far away from a computer. The downside to this option is that you will eventually have to go back to your computer to type the things you wrote. The upside however, at least the writing aspect is complete. In addition, you will be able to edit some of your writing as you go through and type it up.

3. If the other two options just do not work for you then the last step to rid yourself of the internet is simply shutting off your internet modem or home wifi connection. With this option, you will not have access to the internet throughout your home, until you turn it back on. It may sound drastic, but if it allows you to get some writing finished, then so be it.